I think Pittsburgh is generally listed as one of the biggest "foodie" cities, it also just one some major craft beer award.

There are a variety of housing types in downtown Pittsburgh, there are newer "row homes" for the previous poster, there are also neighborhoods of single family detached homes which are very similar to row homes.

Downtown PGH schools aren't bad, however, the private schools are way less than DC, so that is also an option.

Pretty decent arts scene (people tend to forget that CMU also has distinguished arts programs, as do several of the other universities), lots of parks, nearby mountains for hiking and skiing, biking

Gas and groceries are more expensive than in Arlington -- not sure why.

Fairly certain Pittsburgh went to Clinton, not Trump

Worked for a company based there, I was remote. The trumpiness of everyone was astounding...So insular and close minded a especially for a college town. Supposedly one ofnthe best cities to live after college, but jobs I saw paid crap, there are very few good schools districts, and people struck me as racist as eff.

Some cool museums though.

I'm from Chicago too and used to live in Pittsburgh. It's fabulous and very family-friendly. The urban areas are safe and walkable, with gorgeous, affordable architecture. The people were all super friendly and very welcoming to us. The museums are excellent and there are lots of great restaurants and cultural activities. My kids were preschool age at the time so I can't speak to schools, but in your shoes I would definitely move there.

Agree with PP about Squirrel Hill and Shadyside.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:CONS:

The sun rarely shines
The roads are terrible
It takes a while to be accepted. There are a LOT of people who have grown up in the area and do not leave and tend to socialize with their high school friends.
Not the best dining scene
A tad redneck
Buying beer/wine is such a hassle

PROS:
Cheap
Good sports

When was the last time you were there? 1970?

Right?? Dining scene? PP must be talking about the 90s. Pgh is different now.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just looked at Zillow - I see no city row houses; everything looks like suburban culldesacs even in the city limits. ??

Ok, found them. Google 270 Fisk, Lawrenceville, PA. Wow $729 for what would be millions in DC - but again Lawrenceville is not in Pittsburgh proper.

This would be Pittsburgh proper in a good neighborhood for walking etc. http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Pittsburgh-PA/11628585_zpid/26529_rid/globalrelevanceex_sort/40.457471,-79.922651,40.447282,-79.941105_rect/15_zm/0_mmm/

And this is what close to 1 million gets you http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Pittsburgh-PA/11629395_zpid/26529_rid/globalrelevanceex_sort/40.454679,-79.918939,40.444489,-79.937392_rect/15_zm/0_mmm/

$600,000 http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Pittsburgh-PA/11630821_zpid/26529_rid/500000-1500000_price/1892-5677_mp/globalrelevanceex_sort/40.443052,-79.916428,40.432861,-79.934882_rect/15_zm/0_mmm/?

Anonymous wrote:I grew up there and loved it. Has everything within 20 minutes. Would move back in a heartbeat if DH agreed.

Same here. We visit frequently and cannot get through the list of great new restaurants we want to try. There is always something happening for kids. Such an easy way of life there too.

Anonymous wrote:CONS:

The sun rarely shines
The roads are terrible
It takes a while to be accepted. There are a LOT of people who have grown up in the area and do not leave and tend to socialize with their high school friends.
Not the best dining scene
A tad redneck
Buying beer/wine is such a hassle

PROS:
Cheap
Good sports

When was the last time you were there? 1970?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just looked at Zillow - I see no city row houses; everything looks like suburban culldesacs even in the city limits. ??

Ok, found them. Google 270 Fisk, Lawrenceville, PA. Wow $729 for what would be millions in DC - but again Lawrenceville is not in Pittsburgh proper.

This would be Pittsburgh proper in a good neighborhood for walking etc. http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Pittsburgh-PA/11628585_zpid/26529_rid/globalrelevanceex_sort/40.457471,-79.922651,40.447282,-79.941105_rect/15_zm/0_mmm/

And this is what close to 1 million gets you http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Pittsburgh-PA/11629395_zpid/26529_rid/globalrelevanceex_sort/40.454679,-79.918939,40.444489,-79.937392_rect/15_zm/0_mmm/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just looked at Zillow - I see no city row houses; everything looks like suburban culldesacs even in the city limits. ??

Ok, found them. Google 270 Fisk, Lawrenceville, PA. Wow $729 for what would be millions in DC - but again Lawrenceville is not in Pittsburgh proper.

This would be Pittsburgh proper in a good neighborhood for walking etc. http://www.zillow.com/homes/for_sale/Pittsburgh-PA/11628585_zpid/26529_rid/globalrelevanceex_sort/40.457471,-79.922651,40.447282,-79.941105_rect/15_zm/0_mmm/

Anonymous wrote:Just looked at Zillow - I see no city row houses; everything looks like suburban culldesacs even in the city limits. ??

Ok, found them. Google 270 Fisk, Lawrenceville, PA. Wow $729 for what would be millions in DC - but again Lawrenceville is not in Pittsburgh proper.

Just looked at Zillow - I see no city row houses; everything looks like suburban culldesacs even in the city limits. ??

Anonymous wrote:I've always like Pittsburgh and spent a few months there for work training. I always think of it as the perfect blend of the East Coast (in terms of amenities, culture, restaurants) and the Midwest (in terms of the pace of life and nice people). And Primanti Brothers---definite pro!

Completely agree!

Anonymous wrote:OP, the issue with less expensive areas is they usually have way fewer professional jobs. There is no such thing as something for nothing. What if one of you gets a position that doesn't work out? Will you have a network thet helps you get an equivalent role?

This is a very provincial comment. There are, in fact, jobs in cities that are smaller than DC, NYC, Boston, and Chicago. There are lots of jobs in those smaller cities.

And people live happy lives there!

Anonymous wrote:I vehemently disagree with "provincial," takes a long time to assimilate, less sunshine. I lived in Pgh for many years and think it is one of the most warm, accepting places around. Winters are a little chillier than DC but overall the climate is pretty similar, minus DC's humidity. A city filled with smart, friendly people. Agree that Mt Lebo, USC and Sewickley are best for schools.

True, but it's not as if DC is a sunshiny place either.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/capital-weather-gang/wp/2015/03/24/washington-d-c-ranked-among-the-drearier-cities-in-the-nation/?utm_term=.f5acf11f1694

Anonymous wrote:OP, the issue with less expensive areas is they usually have way fewer professional jobs. There is no such thing as something for nothing. What if one of you gets a position that doesn't work out? Will you have a network thet helps you get an equivalent role?

Pittsburgh has a lot going on work-wise these days.